Rumours that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) look set to make a decision on the future of Roy Hodgson earlier than had been anticipated have been circling in the mainstream media last night and this morning, and that they could be ready to appoint Kenny Dalglish as ‘caretaker manager’ until the end of the season.
The Telegraph’s Rory Smith, The Independent and other publications ran stories late last night outlining how FSG are now prepared to delay the search for Hodgson’s long-term successor until the summer and install a caretaker until June, raising the prospect of an emotional return to the club for Kenny Dalglish. The difficulty and cost associated with appointing the right long-term manager midway through the season may have forced FSG to rethink their strategy, with the owners now thought to favour introducing an interim manager before installing their preferred candidate in June.
Kenny Dalglish has had a distinguished career at LFC, as both player and manager
The win against Bolton yesterday may have bought Hodgson some breathing space but it appears the writing is on the wall for the manager. Despite this, Hodgson revealed that he had spoken to the club's owners after Wednesday's defeat by Wolves and that they sympathise with his position.
"The owners wished me good luck and sympathised with the frustration I must have been feeling," said Hodgson.
"Speculation is rife all over, I don't think anybody is immune these days.," he added.
A return for Kenny Dalglish, a player for Liverpool from 1977-90, during which time he gained legendary status, would certainly be welcomed by a large majority of the supporters – many of whom were surprised when he was not offered the position following the departure of Rafa Benitez in the summer.
Dalglish’s managerial career at Anfield has been as distinguished as his playing career, having taken over from Joe Fagan in 1985, initially in a player/manager role. He guided the club to numerous accolades during his time in charge including winning the Football League First Division in 1985–86, 87–88 and 89–90 as well as FA cup wins in 1986 and 1989. Dalglish was in charge of the club at the time of the Hillsborough disaster, on 15 April 1989. His dignity in the aftermath of the tragedy earned him countless admirers inside and outside of the game, with the manager attending as many funerals as he possibly could of the 96 individuals who passed away following the disaster. The events from that fateful day and its aftermath deeply affected Kenny and in 1991, stating he wished to retire from football, he left Liverpool FC.
At this stage the story is nothing but rumour and only time or an announcement from FSG will prove them true or false. But, there is little doubt that Dalglish could be the positive influence that Liverpool FC desperately need to help save the season from becoming a disaster and possibly recover a league position that may allow them to play some form of European football in the next – and if this is the target the decision needs to be made sooner rather than later. However, others have voiced concerns regarding Kenny’s lengthy absence from the game in a managerial role, last having taken charge of Celtic FC in 2000. I feel that this not be such a major issue –things may have changed in terms of training techniques, daily running of the club and other certain aspects but, perhaps most importantly, the job of picking 11 players, motivating them and sending them out to execute a game plan has not.
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